Day: December 7, 2009

Monday, 7 December 2009 11:40 PM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the signing of Daniel Vasilevski for the 2010 Victorian Premier League season. 

Vasilevski joins the Blues from A-League outfit Newcastle. He has also had other A-League experience due to his time with Perth Glory (2005-2006) and Melbourne Victory (2007-2009). 

South fans may remember Vasilevski from his early playing days with the Carlton Soccer Club (1999-2001) and the Melbourne Knights (2001-2004) in the old National Soccer League. Daniel was also an integral part of the Altona Magic team that lost the 2006 Victorian Premier League Grand Final against South 1-0. 

Vasilevski was excited by his move to the Blues explaining to smfc.com.au that his decision to join the club was an obvious choice.

“South is a great club, with an large amount of history behind it. It has also had some champion players come through the club and wear the famous blue shirt. Because of this it was an obvious choice to join the club, as well as knowing I will have a strong fan base behind me every time I run out for the club. I look forward to working with my former teammates in Stiven Mrkela and Carl Recchia, as well as my new coach Vaughan Coveny who is a very impressive and professional individual.”

With Vasilevski’s signing, South Melbourne FC has gained another experienced and skillful midfielder for 2010. He will link up with fellow new signing Carl Recchia (another ex-Altona player) in forming a solid midfield duo next season. 

South Melbourne FC welcomes Daniel Vasilevski to the club and wishes him all the best for 2010

Monday, 7 December 2009 10:35 AM

Youngster Francesco Stella will not be at South Melbourne FC in season 2010 after accepting an offer to join Serie A outfit Siena for three years. 

After previously spending time in Italy as a junior, 18-year-old Stella recently signed a professional contract with the Serie A side that has now given him an amazing opportunity to showcase his talents in one of the biggest leagues in world football. 

Stella will train with the Siena senior squad but will initially play in the youth team until he has settled into his new surroundings. 

Stella made his South Melbourne FC debut against Altona Magic late in the 2008 season, when he replaced Fernando de Moraes in the 92nd minute. He made another substitute appearance against Richmond the following week before making a more consistent 17 appearances in 2009. 

Speaking to smfc.com.au from Italy, Stella is excited about the challenge ahead and is highly grateful towards South for the opportunities given to him during his time at Lakeside. “I am really excited to be getting a chance to be part of a Serie A outfit. I would like to thank South Melbourne FC for the past season and for giving me the chance to play senior football in the Victorian Premier League.” 

South Melbourne FC wishes Francesco Stella all the best in 2010 and beyond and hopes to see the youngster playing in the Serie A in the near future. 

Francesco Stella – SMFC Statistics: 

• DOB 25th July 1991 
• Debut v Altona Magic (round 23, 2008 @ Bob Jane Stadium, 1-0 win) 

Season Breakdown: 

2008 – 2 games (0 starts, 2 subs) 
2009 – 17 games (7 starts, 10 subs) 
Total – 19 games (7 starts, 12 subs)

Monday, 7 December 2009 10:18 AM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the signing of Carl Recchia for the 2010 Victorian Premier League season. 

The 24 year old arrives having played an integral part in Altona Magic’s back-to-back Championships of 2008 and 2009. This included captaining the Magic in the 2009 VPL Grand Final against Dandenong Thunder.

Recchia can play as a defensive player or in the midfield, giving coach Vaughan Coveny plenty of options. This is Recchia’s second stint with South, as the then 20 year old represented the club nine times under Stuart Munro in the final National Soccer League season of 2003/04

When speaking to smfc.com.au, Recchia was excited about joining the club for a second time. “I wanted to come back to South Melbourne because it is the best club in the Victorian Premier League. It has the best setup and the greatest history in Australia. With a strong squad and a coach like Vaughan in charge, I look forward to helping this great club win another championship very soon”.

Recchia joins Peter Zois, Marinos Gasparis and James Stefanou as new signings for South Melbourne FC. South Melbourne FC welcomes Carl Recchia to the club and wishes him success for the new season